Principal's News

08/11/23

Dear Parents and Carers,

Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Year 5 & 6  Canberra Camp 2023

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government will be contributing funding of $45.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

Our St Kevin’s Canberra Camp was a rich and educational experience for all students and Teachers. Here are some key points and highlights of our journey:

1. Educational and Interactive 

The trip to Canberra provided an educational opportunity for students and staff to engage with various aspects of Australian governance and history. It was a chance for them to learn about how bills are passed in parliament and gain insights into the political process.

2. Visits to Iconic Places

Our  itinerary included visits to significant landmarks, such as Parliament House, Old Parliament House, Questacon, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), The Australian Mint, CSIRO, Government House, and various parks and the swimming center. These visits allowed the students and staff  to explore different aspects of Australian culture, history, and science.

3. Recreational Activities

Along with educational experiences, the students had the chance to play mini golf, socialize, and enjoy recreational activities. This balance between learning and leisure made the trip enjoyable and engaging.

4. Reflection and Deep Thinking

The students and staff were encouraged to write in their journals and reflect on their learning, an excellent way to promote deep thinking and self-awareness. These reflections will likely continue to enrich their understanding back at school.

5. Positive Behavior and Communication

It was commendable that the students displayed good behavior and effective communication throughout the journey. This speaks to their maturity and ability to adapt to new environments.

6. Stepping out of Comfort Zones:

Traveling and exploring new places often pushes individuals out of their comfort zones. It was great to see that the students embraced this and experienced personal growth during the trip.

7. Natural Beauty:

The visit to Mount Ainslie allowed everyone to appreciate the natural beauty of Canberra and gain a deeper understanding of the city's current state.

8. Acknowledgments: 

 It's important to show gratitude to those who made the trip possible, including Mrs. Eva Tomazos, Mr. Con Tomazos and Ms. Annie Fitzgerald. 

Ms. Fitzgerald's contribution through Instagram posts likely added an extra dimension to the trip, allowing others to share in the experience virtually. Well done!

Overall, this Canberra trip was a well-rounded and enriching experience for both students and educators, combining education, recreation, personal growth, and gratitude for the opportunity. It's a testament to the value of experiential learning and exploration.

A massive thank you to all the staff and leaders who remained at school and continued the learning while we were away! 

Augmented Reality Prep Project

Australian Catholic University has approached the school to trial a new augmented reality project that will support literacy. Teachers and Leaders will undergo a 2 hour professional learning session soon.  The Prep students and teachers will trial these new 3d glasses to stimulate vocabulary and promote creative language.  The glasses will use bar codes and GIFS to bring imaginary to life.  Images such as dinosaurs will be explored and students will explore descriptions and habitats.  This is such an exciting way to develop language and communication skills.  Parents will be asked to sign a disclosure before the project commences in the next few weeks.

School Assembly in Term 4 

Wednesday 15th November, 2023 

Whole School  Assembly - in the Church 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Wednesday 6th December, 2023 

Whole School Assembly -  in the Church 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Friday 15th December, 2023  Last Day

Whole School Assembly Farewell to Year 6 Students - in the Stadium 1pm - 1:30pm

Parish News 

I attended a Parish Forum on Thursday the 26th of October.  The forum was an opportunity to hear about how the two parishes are coming together and what is happening to reach out and be a viable and welcoming parish.  

The changes that are occurring over the next few years and the ability to share resources within the two perished that includes our parish priest Father Charles Balnaves. 

The vision of this coming together St Kevin’s and St Gregory's is

‘To be a vibrant and vital community of two Catholic parishes that intentionally reaches out to bring people to Jesus Christ.’

Father Charles spoke about ‘Evangelisation’.  He discussed how individuals go out to the world and to create discipleship in the community.  Our inspiration is 'How do we do this as a parish?' As a community of two parishes.

Tiziana D’Costa (Lay Ecclesial Leader) spoke about the connections in the parish and described how it continues to grow skills in the community.  The parish has started the Youth Group, Men’s Social group, the Knitting Group, Christian Mediation and Book Club.

Carmel Purdie spoke about Synod 2021-2023 

The aim of the Synodal is to practise synodality.  Conversations at the synod about our Environment, LGBTQI People etc

What processes are needed in the missionary synodal Church?

This is an example for the St Kevin’s Story - History of St Kevin’s on the Parish Website

Swimming 2023

All students from Prep to Grade 4 at St Kevin’s Primary School are required to participate in the  “Intensive Swimming Program, November 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2023” held at Genazzano FCJ College’.

Congratulations to the following students 

PBL in Term 4  Week 6 

This term we will have a greater focus on the school values of being Responsible 

The expected behaviour for the next two weeks will be

• I look after outdoor equipment and use it safely.

Thank you to our whole school community for your continued support as we implement PBL into our school.

Seesaw

Congratulations 3F & 1/2GL who were the top class for Week 4 & 5.

Italian for the Term 4 Week 6  

In Week 6 the students will be practising to make sentences and have short conversations about school activities, here an example:- Ti piace giocare fuori? (Do you like to play outside?)- No, non mi piace giocare fuori. Mi piace molto giocare dentro. (No, I don’t like to play outside. I really like to play inside.)

They will be able to understand the difference between MY and YOUR as well as tell the difference between a friend masculine (AMICO) and a friend feminine (AMICA) as well as using the plural version (AMICI), for example:

- Ti piace parlare con I TUOI AMICI? (Do you like to talk with YOUR FRIENDS?)

- Mi piace parlare con I MIEI AMICI perche’ e’ divertente. (I like to speak with MY FRIENDS because it is fun.)

- Non mi piace mangiare con LA MIA AMICA. (I don’t like to eat with MY FRIEND (who is a GIRL)).

International Students at St Kevin’s 

As you're aware, this year we had International Students visit our school. In Term 3, we hosted 18 international students. This was an opportunity for our students to share St Kevin’s culture and language with these students. As we are a feedback school, it is important for us to get your feedback on your children's experience from this situation.

We will receive feedback from Staff, Students and Parents.  

Please find the survey below and the survey will be open until the 20th of November 2023. We look forward to hosting International students in the future.  

Parents link - International Students Survey for Parents 2023

Staff Update

With hearts heavy with sadness yet overflowing with gratitude, we reflect on the remarkable work Mrs Pezzimenti has completed at St Kevin’s this Year! 

We are thrilled for you as you embark on this new chapter of your professional journey at Epping Views, a larger canvas where your passion for the arts will undoubtedly inspire even more young minds.

The opportunity to work four days a week in the performing arts area is a testament to your exceptional talent and dedication.

Your dedication to our school, your passion for the arts, and your unwavering commitment to nurturing the talents of our students have left an indelible mark on our community. Your presence has allowed our students to not only grow but also to shine brightly, illuminating our halls with creativity, enthusiasm, and a love for the performing arts.

Your calmness in the face of challenges, your kindness, and your ability to ignite the artistic spirit within our students have been invaluable. We appreciate the countless hours you have dedicated to fostering a love for creativity and self-expression among our students.

We are especially grateful for your work with the school choir, a beautiful testament to the harmony you have brought into our lives. The students' upcoming performance in the combined parish event before Christmas will undoubtedly showcase the magic you have woven with them.

As you venture into this new chapter, please know that your legacy although short here will endure. You have not only been a teacher but also a source of inspiration, shaping the artistic souls of our students and instilling in them a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Thank you, Mrs. Pezzimenti, for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering support. We wish you every success and happiness in your future endeavours. May your journey be filled with new adventures, creativity, and the same joy you have shared with us.

Every blessing, 

Gabee Leone